Visalia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Visalia Wrongful Death Attorney

Sudden deaths of family members are devastating. A death caused by a negligent pet owner or animal keeper can make the death feel worse. Being angry is normal. The compassionate Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, understands the emotional toll that events like this take on people. Our Visalia wrongful death lawyer wants to help you obtain justice.

We Fight for Families

Animal attacks can happen anywhere. From public parks to private property, these incidents are typically unexpected. Animal attacks can involve a variety of animals, like:

• Dogs: Dog bites are prevalent in California. You can hold negligent dog owners liable for attacks that result in death.
• Livestock: You can die when a cow, horse, or other livestock animal kicks, tramples, or gores you. Responsible property owners take precautions to ensure the proper containment of their livestock, but some owners fail to do so.
• Exotic Animals: Exotic animal encounters can turn deadly. Owners may be liable if a wild animal escapes from their residence and fatally attacks someone.

Recoverable Damages From an Animal Attack Wrongful Death Claim

Surviving family members can recover a variety of damages through a wrongful death claim. Typical awards include:

Medical Expenses

You can recover these costs if your loved one receives medical treatment, ambulance transportation, or emergency room care.

Funeral and Burial Costs

Your Suffering should not include the financial burden of laying a loved one to rest. Wrongful death claims can recover the costs of the funeral arrangements and burial.

Lost Income

If the deceased was your household’s primary wage earner, their death can cause significant financial hardship. A successful claim can compensate you for this lost income.

Loss of Companionship and Support

A loved one’s companionship, love, and support can be invaluable. Losing these can change your life forever. California law recognizes this situation and enables families to seek compensation.

Pain and Suffering

Surviving family members of a wrongful death can suffer from emotional pain and suffering. In California, you can receive compensation for this kind of pain and suffering.

What to Do After an Animal Attack

If an animal severely injures you or a loved one, there are some immediate steps that a victim can take:

• Seek Medical Attention: The most important step is receiving medical attention for your injuries.
• Report the Attack: File a report with animal control to document your incident.
• Contact an Attorney: Seek counsel from a skilled animal attack attorney who can advise you of your legal options.

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help

At the Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, our skilled attorneys understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one. However, we can commit to helping you recover your deserved compensation, easing your financial burden, and helping you move forward. Our legal team can:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the animal attack. We can thoroughly interview witnesses, gather police reports, and obtain animal control records. Our team meticulously examines the evidence and works to identify the parties that are liable for your loss.
• Gather evidence that proves the animal owner or other responsible party’s negligence. Proving that your loved one’s death was preventable is vital to the case. We can obtain witness statements, expert testimony, and any other relevant evidence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize compensation. Even though these companies attempt to minimize their payouts, our skilled attorneys can negotiate tough settlements.
• File your claim. If we cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we can represent you in court. Your interests can become our priority, and we can aggressively advocate for them. Our attorneys are trial-ready and have a proven record of success in wrongful death litigation.

The legal process can be overwhelming during your difficult time. Our legal team can be by your side every step of the way. Your animal attack attorney can provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your case.

Strict Liability for Dog Bites

California has a strict liability rule for dog bites. This rule means that dog owners in Visalia are liable for damages when they bite someone, regardless of their behavior or the owner’s knowledge of their viciousness.

The Element of Lawful Presence

In California, courts consider lawful presence. This element can include people you invited or implied were allowed on your property and those who are legally required to be on your property, such as postal workers or police officers. If someone’s animal attacks someone who is deemed to be lawfully present, the owner will be liable for the damages incurred.

Exceptions to Dog Bite Liability

There are limited exceptions to dog bite liability. These include bites from provoked or harassed dogs or by on-duty law enforcement or military dogs.

FAQs for Wrongful Death Lawyers

Q: Can You Get Pain and Suffering for Wrongful Death in California?

A: You can get pain and suffering for wrongful death in California, but there are limitations. Pain and suffering may exist for loved ones of the deceased and also the deceased themselves before their death. These instances of pain and suffering are different, and unique processes exist to address them, depending on which you seek.

While California law allows a deceased person’s estate to recover damages for pain and suffering through survival action, some people see this as different from a wrongful death case. In situations like this, it is beneficial to consult an attorney.

Q: How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Take in California?

A: How long a wrongful death claim takes in California depends on the circumstances. The complexity of a case can mean the difference between months and years. Some claims are straightforward, where liability is clear, damages are not disputed, and the case settles in a few months. Other, more complex cases can vary in length.

Some cases involve multiple parties, extensive discovery, unclear liability, disagreements over fault or damages, and more aspects that extend the case’s length.

Q: What Is the Damages Cap for Wrongful Death in California?

A: A cap on damages for wrongful death in California does not exist, except for medical malpractice claims. This lack of legislation means that there is no cap on your ability to receive compensation for your loved one’s lost income, medical treatment, emergency care, and pain and suffering amounts. The amount you can recover depends on your case.

A skilled attorney can use their knowledge to seek the maximum compensation for your loved one’s case. Even though money cannot bring your loved one back, your attorney can work to seek justice.

Q: Who Is the Ideal Wrongful Death Lawyer in California?

A: There are many qualified wrongful death attorneys in California, so definitively saying who is better is impossible. The attorney for you will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case, location, and individual needs.
Consider experience, success record, resources, and communication style when seeking an attorney. You should feel comfortable explaining your situation to your attorney and knowing that they can fight for your rights.

The Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, Can Fight for You

The Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, understands the hardship inflicted by a negligent animal keeper or owner. When you have lost a loved one to someone else’s negligence, you can seek justice. We can help you obtain justice and the compensation you need and deserve. Do not hesitate. Contact us today for a consultation with our Visalia wrongful death attorney.